Bicycle clamp structure and bicycle operating device

ABSTRACT

A bicycle clamp structure comprises a first clamp member, a second clamp member, a connecting member, a first connecting structure, a second connecting structure, and a third connecting structure. The second clamp member is configured to clamp a bicycle tube member between the first clamp member and the second clamp member. The connecting member is configured to be arranged between the first clamp member and the second clamp member. The first connecting structure is configured to connect the first clamp member with the connecting member. The second connecting structure is configured to connect the second clamp member with the connecting member. The third connecting structure is configured to connect the first clamp member with the second clamp member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bicycle clamp structure and a bicycleoperating device.

Discussion of the Background

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whetherthe bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle. Bicycles are often provided with a bicycle operating device foroperating a bicycle component. The bicycle operating device is attachedto a bicycle tube ember via a clamp structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycleclamp structure comprises a first clamp member, a second clamp member, aconnecting member, a first connecting structure, a second connectingstructure, and a third connecting structure. The second clamp member isconfigured to clamp a bicycle tube member between the first clamp memberand the second clamp member. The connecting member is configured to bearranged between the first clamp member and the second clamp member. Thefirst connecting structure is configured to connect the first clampmember with the connecting member. The second connecting structure isconfigured to connect the second clamp member with the connectingmember. The third connecting structure is configured to connect thefirst clamp member with the second clamp member.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycleclamp structure according to the first aspect is configured so that thefirst clamp member is made of a first material. The second clamp memberis made of a second material. The connecting member is made of a thirdmaterial which differs from at least one of the first material and thesecond material.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycleclamp structure according to the second aspect is configured so thethird material differs from the first material and the second material.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleclamp structure according to the third aspect is configured so that thefirst material is the same as the second material.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleclamp structure according to the fourth aspect is configured so that thethird material is harder than the first material and the secondmaterial.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleclamp structure according to the fifth aspect is configured so that thefirst material comprises an aluminum alloy. The second materialcomprises an aluminum alloy. The third material comprises one oftitanium, stainless steel, and iron.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle clamp structure according to the first aspect is configured sothat the first connecting structure is configured to connect theconnecting member to the first clamp member such that the connectingmember is pivotable with respect to the first clamp member.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle clamp structure according to the seventh aspect is configured sothat the first connecting structure includes a first through-hole and apivot pin. The first through-hole is provided on the connecting member.The pivot pin is configured to be fixedly provided on the first clampmember and is configured to pass through the first through-hole of theconnecting member.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleclamp structure according to the seventh aspect is configured so thatthe second connecting structure is configured to fixedly connect theconnecting member to the second clamp member.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleclamp structure according to the ninth aspect is configured so that thesecond connecting structure includes at least two second through-holesand at least two fixing pins. The at least two second through-holes areprovided on the connecting member. The at least two fixing pins areconfigured to be fixedly provided on the second clamp member and areconfigured to pass through the at least two second through-holes of theconnecting member, respectively.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle clamp structure according to the first aspect is configured sothat the first clamp member includes a first slit. The connecting memberincludes a first end portion configured to be provided in the firstslit.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle clamp structure according to the eleventh aspect is configuredso that the second clamp member includes a second slit. The connectingmember includes a second end portion configured to be provided in thesecond slit.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle clamp structure according to the first aspect is configured sothat the first clamp member has a first width defined in an axialdirection of the bicycle tube member. The second clamp member has asecond width defined in the axial direction. The connecting member has athird width defined in the axial direction. The third width is smallerthan the first width and the second width.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle clamp structure according to the seventh aspect furthercomprises a lock mechanism configured to restrict pivotal movement ofthe connecting member with respect to the first clamp member.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle clamp structure according to the fourteenth aspect is configuredso that the lock mechanism includes a lock pin provided in the firstclamp member. The lock pin is configured to be movable between a lockposition at which the lock pin restricts pivotal movement of theconnecting member with respect to the first clamp member, and a releaseposition at which the lock pin allows the connecting member to pivotwith respect to the first clamp member.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle clamp structure according to the fifteenth aspect is configuredso that the lock pin is configured to be movable parallel to an axialdirection of the bicycle tube member.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle clamp structure according to the fifteenth aspect is configuredso that the lock mechanism includes a biasing member provided in thefirst clamp member and configured to bias the lock pin to the lockposition.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle clamp structure according to the seventeenth aspect isconfigured so that the connecting member includes a contact surfaceconfigured to contact the lock pin disposed at the lock position.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, abicycle operating device comprises the bicycle clamp structure and anoperating structure. The operating structure is configured to operate abicycle component and provided on one of the first clamp member, thesecond clamp member and the connecting member.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the nineteenth aspect isconfigured so the operating structure is configured to operate a bicyclebrake component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle operating device in accordancewith one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bicycle operating device inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a bicycle clamp structure of thebicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the bicycle clampstructure illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle clamp structure takenalong line V-V of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a partial plan view of the bicycle clamp structure illustratedin FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the bicycle clampstructure illustrated in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bicycle clamp structuretaken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding oridentical elements throughout the various drawings.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a bicycle operating device 10 inaccordance with one embodiment is configured to be attached to a bicycletube member of a bicycle for operating bicycle components. In theillustrated embodiment, the bicycle tube member comprises a bicyclehandlebar H of the bicycle. However, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the bicycle field from the present disclosure that thebicycle operating device 10 can be configured to be attached to abicycle tube member other than the bicycle handlebar H. The bicycleoperating device 10 is a right bicycle operating device configured to beoperated with a rider's right hand. However, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the bicycle field from the present disclosure that theconfiguration of the bicycle operating device 10 can be applied to aleft bicycle operating device.

In the present application, the following directional terms “front”,“rear”, “forward”, “rearward”, “left”, “right”, “transverse”, “upward”and “downward” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions which are determined on the basis of the rider who sitson a saddle (now shown) of the bicycle with facing the bicycle handlebarH1, for example. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe thebicycle operating device 10, should be interpreted relative to thebicycle as used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bicycle operating device 10 comprises anoperating structure 12 and a bicycle clamp structure 14. The operatingstructure 12 is configured to operate a bicycle component such as abicycle brake component B1. The bicycle clamp structure 14 is configuredto be detachably couple to the bicycle handlebar H.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the operatingstructure 12 includes a main body 16 and a lever 18. The main body 16includes a master cylinder 16 a and a fluid reservoir tank 16 b. Thelever 18 is configured to be pivotally provided relative to the mastercylinder 16 a of the main body 16. The master cylinder 16 a is fluidlycommunicated with the fluid reservoir tank 16 b and accommodates amaster piston (not shown) therein. The operating structure 12 isconfigured to generate hydraulic pressure in response to pivotalmovement of the lever 18. The operating structure 12 is operativelycoupled to the bicycle brake component B1 via a hydraulic hose B2, forexample. Since such a brake operating system is conventional and wellknown, it will not be described in more detail here for the sake ofsimplify. While the operating structure 12 is a hydraulic brakeoperating device, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicyclefield from the present disclosure that the operating structure 12 can beother kinds of brake operating devices. Furthermore, the operatingstructure 12 can be other kinds of operating devices (e.g., a bicycleshift operating device) other than the bicycle brake operating device.Since the operating structure 12 includes well known structures, theywill not be described in detail herein.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bicycle clamp structure 14 comprises afirst clamp member 20, a second clamp member 22, a connecting member 24,a first connecting structure 26, a second connecting structure 28, and athird connecting structure 30. The bicycle clamp structure 14 furthercomprises a lock mechanism 32. The operating structure 12 is provided onone of the first clamp member 20, the second clamp member 22 and theconnecting member 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the operatingstructure 12 is provided on the first clamp member 20.

The first clamp member 20 is attached to the main body 16 of theoperating structure 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the first clampmember 20 is integrally provided with the main body 16 as a one-pieceunitary member. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in thebicycle field from the present disclosure that the first clamp member 20can be a separated member from the operating structure 12. The firstclamp member 20 includes a first curved surface 20 a. The first curvedsurface 20 a is configured to contact the bicycle handlebar H andextends in a circumference direction D1 of the bicycle handlebar H. Thecircumference direction D1 is defined about a longitudinal center axisXl of the bicycle handlebar H.

The second clamp member 22 is configured to clamp the bicycle handlebarH between the first clamp member 20 and the second clamp member 22. Thesecond clamp member 22 is a separate member from the first clamp member20 and the main body 16 of the operating structure 12. The second clampmember 22 is configured to be disposed on an opposite side of the firstclamp member 20 with respect to the longitudinal center axis Xl of thebicycle handlebar H in a state where the bicycle clamp structure 14clamps the bicycle handlebar H. The first clamp member 20 and the secondclamp member 22 are configured to define a clamp opening 14 a throughwhich the bicycle handlebar H is to extend. The second clamp member 22includes a second curved surface 22 a. The second curved surface 22 a isconfigured to contact the bicycle handlebar H and extends in thecircumference direction D1 of the bicycle handlebar H. The first curvedsurface 20 a and the second curved surface 22 a are configured to definethe clamp opening 14 a.

The connecting member 24 is configured to be arranged between the firstclamp member 20 and the second clamp member 22. The connecting member 24is a separate member from the main body 16, the first clamp member 20,and the second clamp member 22.

As seen in FIG. 3, the first clamp member 20 includes a first slit 20 b.The connecting member 24 includes a first end portion 24 a configured tobe provided in the first slit 20 b. The second clamp member 22 includesa second slit 22 b. The connecting member 24 includes a second endportion 24 b configured to be provided in the second slit 22 b. However,it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field from thepresent disclosure that at least one of the first slit 20 b and thesecond slit 22 b can be omitted if needed and/or desired.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first clamp member 20 is made of afirst material. The second clamp member 22 is made of a second material.The connecting member 24 is made of a third material which differs fromat least one of the first material and the second material. Morespecifically, the third material differs from the first material and thesecond material. Furthermore, the third material is harder than thefirst material and the second material. In other words, the thirdmaterial has strength higher than strength of each of the first materialand the second material. For example, the third material has tensilestrength higher than tensile strength of each of the first material andthe second material. In the illustrated embodiment, the first materialcomprises an aluminum alloy. The second material comprises an aluminumalloy. The third material comprises one of titanium, stainless steel,and iron. While the first material is the same as the second material,the first material can be different from the second material.

As seen in FIG. 3, the first connecting structure 26 is configured toconnect the first clamp member 20 with the connecting member 24. In theillustrated embodiment, the first connecting structure 26 is configuredto connect the connecting member 24 to the first clamp member 20 suchthat the connecting member 24 is pivotable with respect to the firstclamp member 20. The first clamp member 20 includes a third end portion20 c and a fourth end portion 20 d opposite to the third end portion 20c in the circumference direction D1. The first connecting structure 26is configured to connect the first end portion 24 a of the connectingmember 24 to the third end portion 20 c of the first clamp member 20such that the connecting member 24 is pivotable about a pivot axis X2with respect to the first clamp member 20. The pivot axis X2 is parallelto an axial direction D2 defined along the longitudinal center axis X1of the bicycle handlebar H.

As seen in FIG. 3, the second connecting structure 28 is configured toconnect the second clamp member 22 with the connecting member 24. In theillustrated embodiment, the second connecting structure 28 is configuredto fixedly connect the connecting member 24 to the second clamp member22. The second clamp member 22 includes a fifth end portion 22 c and asixth end portion 22 d opposite to the fifth end portion 22 c in thecircumference direction D1. The second connecting structure 28 isconfigured to fixedly connect the second end portion 24 b of theconnecting member 24 to the fifth end portion 22 c of the second clampmember 22. The second clamp member 22 and the connecting member 24 areconfigured to integrally pivot about the pivot axis X2 relative to thefirst clamp member 20. However, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe bicycle field from the present disclosure that the second connectingstructure 28 can be configured to connect the connecting member 24 tothe second clamp member 22 such that the connecting member 24 ispivotable with respect to the second clamp member 22. Furthermore, thefirst connecting structure 26 and the second connecting structure 28 canbe configured such that at least one of the first clamp member 20 andthe second clamp member 22 is pivotable with respect to the connectingmember 24.

As seen in FIG. 3, the third connecting structure 30 is configured toconnect the first clamp member 20 with the second clamp member 22. Thethird connecting structure 30 includes a bolt 34 configured to tightenthe first clamp member 20 and the second clamp member 22 to clamp thebicycle handlebar H. The third connecting structure 30 is configured toconnect the fourth end portion 20 d of the first clamp member 20 withthe sixth end portion 22 d of the second clamp member 22.

As seen in FIG. 4, the first connecting structure 26 includes a firstthrough-hole 36 and a pivot pin 38. The first through-hole 36 isprovided on the connecting member 24. The pivot pin 38 is configured tobe fixedly provided on the first clamp member 20 and is configured topass through the first through-hole 36 of the connecting member 24. Thefirst clamp member 20 includes first fixing through-holes 20 e and 20 fextending in the axial direction D2. The pivot pin 38 is configured toextend through the first fixing through-holes 20 e and 20 f and thefirst through-hole 36 in the axial direction D2. The pivot pin 38 isconfigured to be press-fitted in at least one of the first fixingthrough-holes 20 e and 20 f through the first through-hole 36, forexample. An inner diameter of the first through-hole 36 is larger thanan outer diameter of the pivot pin 38 such that the connecting member 24is pivotable relative to the first clamp member 20 about the pivot pin38. The pivot pin 38 defines the pivot axis X2. It will be apparent tothose skilled in the bicycle field from the present disclosure that thepivot pin 38 is not limited to the illustrated structure. Other suitablepivotal structures such as a bolt or a rivet can be used as neededand/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 4, the second connecting structure 28 includes twosecond through-holes 40 a and 40 b and two fixing pins 42 a and 42 b.The second through-holes 40 a and 40 b are provided on the connectingmember 24. The fixing pins 4 a and 42 b are configured to be fixedlyprovided on the second clamp member 22 and are configured to passthrough the second through-holes 40 a and 40 b of the connecting member24, respectively, and thereby fixedly and non-pivotally connect thesecond clamp member 22 with the connecting member 24 so as to preventthe second clamp member 22 from pivoting with respect to the connectingmember 24 even when the third connecting structure 30 is not fixedlyconnecting the first clamp member 20 with the second clamp member 22when the bicycle clamp structure 14 is in a non-clamped state. Thesecond clamp member 22 includes second fixing through-holes 22 e, 22 f,22 g and 22 h. The second fixing through-holes 22 e, 22 f, 22 g and 22 hextend in the axial direction D2. The fixing pin 42 a extends throughthe second fixing through-holes 22 e and 22 f and the secondthrough-holes 40 a in the axial direction D2. The fixing pin 42 bextends through the second fixing through-holes 22 g and 22 h and thesecond through-hole 40 b in the axial direction D2. The fixing pin 42 ais configured to be press-fitted in at least one of the second fixingthrough-holes 22 e and 22 f through the second through-hole 40 a. Thefixing pin 42 b is configured to be press-fitted in at least one of thefirst fixing through-holes 22 g and 22 h through the second through-hole40 b. Inner diameters of the second through-holes 40 a and 40 b arelarger than outer diameter of the fixing pins 4 a and 42 b,respectively.

As seen in FIG. 4, the second connecting structure 28 includes thesecond through-holes 40 a and 40 b and the fixing pins 42 a and 42 b.However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field fromthe present disclosure that the second connecting structure 28 caninclude at least two second through-holes and at least two fixing pins.In such embodiment, the at least two second through-holes can beprovided on the connecting member 24. The at least two fixing pins canbe configured to be fixedly provided on the second clamp member 22 andconfigured to pass through the at least two second through-holes of theconnecting member 24, respectively.

As seen in FIG. 4, the pivot pin 38 is a separate member from each ofthe first clamp member 20 and the connecting member 24. However, it willbe apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field from the presentdisclosure that the pivot pin 38 can be integrally provided with one ofthe first clamp member 20 and the connecting member 24. Similarly, thefixing pins 42 a and 42 b are separate members from each of the secondclamp member 22 and the connecting member 24. However, it will beapparent to those skilled in the bicycle field from the presentdisclosure that the fixing pins 42 a and 42 b can be integrally providedwith one of the second clamp member 22 and the connecting member 24.

As seen in FIG. 4, the first through-hole 36 and the secondthrough-holes 40 a and 40 b are aligned in the circumference directionD1. The first through-hole 36 is provided at the first end portion 24 aof the connecting member 24. The second through-holes 40 a and 40 b areprovided at the second end portion 24 b of the connecting member 24.Thus, one of the second through-holes 40 a and 40 b is closer to anotherof the second through-holes 40 a and 40 b than the first through-hole36.

As seen in FIG. 5, the first through-hole 36 is disposed in an area inwhich the first slit 20 b is provided when viewed from the axialdirection D2 defined along the longitudinal center axis X1. The secondthrough-holes 40 a and 40 b are disposed in an area in which the secondslit 22 b is provided when viewed from the axial direction D2. Thesecond through-hole 40 b has a shape different from a shape of thesecond through-hole 40 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondthrough-hole 40 b is an elongated hole extending in the circumferencedirection D1.

The third connecting structure 30 includes a threaded hole 20 g and athird through-hole 22 i. The threaded hole 20 g is provided at thefourth end portion 20 d of the first clamp member 20. The thirdthrough-hole 22 i is provided at the sixth end portion 22 d of thesecond clamp member 22. The bolt 34 includes a shaft portion 34 a havingan external thread 34 b. The shaft portion 34 a is configured to extendthrough the third through-hole 22 i. The external thread 34 b isconfigured to be screwed in the threaded hole 20 g. When the bolt 34 istightened in a state where the bicycle handlebar H extends through theclamp opening 14 a, the second clamp member 22 and the connecting member24 pivot about the pivot axis X2. This causes the bicycle handlebar H tobe clamped between the first clamp member 20 and the second clamp member22.

As seen in FIG. 6, the first clamp member 20 has a first width W1defined in the axial direction D2 of the handlebar (the bicycle tubemember) H. The second clamp member 22 has a second width W2 defined inthe axial direction D2. The connecting member 24 has a third width W3defined in the axial direction D2. The third width W3 is smaller thanthe first width W1 and the second width W2. In the illustratedembodiment, each of the first width W1, the second width W2, and thethird width W3 is a minimum width in the axial direction D2. The firstwidth W1 is substantially the same as the second width W2. The firstclamp member 20 has a fourth width W11 and a fifth width W12 which aredefined in the axial direction D2. The fourth width W11 and the fifthwidth W12 are widths of parts separated in the axial direction D2 by thefirst slit 20 b. The second clamp member 22 has a sixth width W21 and aseventh width W22 which are defined in the axial direction D2. The sixthwidth W21 and the seventh width W22 are widths of parts separated in theaxial direction D2 by the second slit 22 b. The third width W3 of theconnecting member 24 is smaller than each of the fourth width W11, thefifth width W12, the sixth width W21, and the seventh width W22. In theillustrated embodiment, the fourth width W11, the fifth width W12, thesixth width W21, and the seventh width W22 are substantially the same asone another.

As seen in FIG. 7, the lock mechanism 32 is configured to restrictpivotal movement of the connecting member 24 with respect to the firstclamp member 20. The lock mechanism 32 is provided on the first clampmember 20 and is disposed at the third end portion 20 c of the firstclamp member 20. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in thebicycle field from the present disclosure that the lock mechanism 32 canbe provided on the second clamp member 22 or on both the first clampmember 20 and the second clamp member 22 if needed and/or desired. Forexample, in case that that the connecting member 24 is pivotallyconnected to the second clamp member 22 via the second connectingstructure 28, the lock mechanism 32 is provided on the second clampmember 22. Furthermore, the lock mechanism 32 can be provided on theconnecting member 24 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lock mechanism 32 includes a lock pin 44,a biasing member 46, an end cap 48, and a stepped hole 50. The lock pin44 is provided in the first clamp member 20. In the illustratedembodiment, the lock pin 44 is provided in the third end portion 20 c ofthe first clamp member 20. The stepped hole 50 is provided in the thirdend portion 20 c of the first clamp member 20. The lock pin 44 ismovably provided in the stepped hole 50 in the axial direction D2.

As seen in FIG. 8, the lock pin 44 is configured to be movable parallelto the axial direction D2 of the bicycle handlebar (the tube member) Hto move between a lock position P1 and a release position P2. The lockposition P1 is a position at which the lock pin 44 restricts pivotalmovement of the connecting member 24 with respect to the first clampmember 20. The release position P2 is a position at which the lock pin44 allows the connecting member 24 to pivot with respect to the firstclamp member 20. As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the connecting member 24includes a contact surface 24 c configured to contact the lock pin 44disposed at the lock position Pl. While the contact surface 24 c is aflat surface, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle fieldfrom the present disclosure that the contact surface 24 c can have othershapes.

As seen in FIG. 8, the biasing member 46 is provided in the first clampmember 20 and configured to bias the lock pin 44 to the lock positionPl. The biasing member 46 is a spring, for example. The biasing member46 is provided in the stepped hole 50 to be compressed between the lockpin 44 and the end cap 48. The lock mechanism 32 restricts pivotalmovement of the connecting member 24 with respect to the first clampmember 20 about the pivot axis X2 in a state where the lock pin 44 isheld by the biasing member 46 at the lock position Pl.

As seen in FIG. 8, the end cap 48 is secured to the first clamp member20. The stepped hole 50 is a through-hole extending in the axialdirection D2. The stepped hole 50 has a first end opening 50 a and asecond end opening 50 b opposite to the first end opening 50 a in theaxial direction D2. The first end opening 50 a has an inner diameterlarger than an inner diameter of the second end opening 50 b. The endcap 48 is press-fitted in the first end opening 50 a of the stepped hole50, for example. The end cap 48 can be bonded to the stepped hole 50with adhesive.

As seen in FIG. 8, an end of the lock pin 44 is exposed through thesecond end opening 50 b to an outside of the first clamp member 20. Thelock pin 44 can be pressed from the lock position P1 towards the releaseposition P2 using a tool such as a hexagonal wrench through the secondend opening 50 b. This causes the lock pin 44 to be moved from the lockposition P1 to the release position P2 in the axial direction D2,allowing the connecting member 24 and the second clamp member 22 to bepivoted about the pivot axis X2 relative to the first clamp member 20.Thus, the bicycle operating device 10 can be removed from the bicyclehandlebar H for maintenance of the bicycle operating device 10 or otherbicycle components.

In the above embodiments, the term “attached” or “attaching”, as usedherein, encompasses configurations in which an element directly attachedto another element by affixing the element is directly to the otherelement; configurations in which the element is indirectly attached tothe other element via the intermediate member(s); and configurations inwhich one element is integral with another element, i.e. one element isessentially part of the other element. This concept also applies towords of similar meaning, for example, “joined”, “connected”, “coupled”,“mounted”, “bonded”, “fixed” and their derivatives.

The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intendedto be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similarmeaning, for example, the terms “have”, “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member”, “section”, “portion”, “part” or “element” when usedin the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or aplurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers in the terms “first”, “second” or the like recitedin the present application are merely identifiers, but do not have anyother meanings, for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover,for example, the term “first element” itself does not imply an existenceof “second element”, and the term “second element” itself does not implyan existence of “first element.”

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle clamp structure comprising: a firstclamp member; a second clamp member configured to clamp a bicycle tubemember between the first clamp member and the second clamp member; aconnector arranged between the first clamp member and the second clampmember; a first connecting structure including at least one first holeand at least one first pivot pin, the first connecting structurepivotally connecting the first clamp member with the connector; a secondconnecting structure including at least two second holes and at leasttwo second fixing pins; and a third connecting structure including atleast two third holes and a bolt, the third connecting structure fixedlyconnecting the first clamp member with the second clamp member when thebicycle clamp structure is in a clamped state on the bicycle tubemember, the second connecting structure fixedly and non-pivotallyconnecting the second clamp member with the connector so as to preventthe second clamp member from pivoting with respect to the connector evenwhen the third connecting structure is not fixedly connecting the firstclamp member with the second clamp member when the bicycle clampstructure is in a non-clamped state, wherein the at least two secondfixing pins longitudinally extend within the at least two second holesin an axial direction of the at least two second fixing pins, andwherein one second hole of the at least two second holes has anelongated shape that is elongated in a direction that is orthogonal tothe axial direction and that extends away from another second hole ofthe at least two second holes.
 2. The bicycle clamp structure accordingto claim 1, wherein the first clamp member is made of a first material;the second clamp member is made of a second material; the connector ismade of a third material which differs from at least one of the firstmaterial and the second material.
 3. The bicycle clamp structureaccording to claim 2, wherein the third material differs from the firstmaterial and the second material.
 4. The bicycle clamp structureaccording to claim 3, wherein the first material is the same as thesecond material.
 5. The bicycle clamp structure according to claim 4,wherein the third material is harder than the first material and thesecond material.
 6. The bicycle clamp structure according to claim 5,wherein the first material comprises an aluminum alloy, the secondmaterial comprises an aluminum alloy, and the third material istitanium, stainless steel, or iron.
 7. The bicycle clamp structureaccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one first hole is a firstthrough-hole provided on the connector, and the at least one first pivotpin is configured to be fixedly provided on the first clamp member andconfigured to pass through the first through-hole of the connector. 8.The bicycle clamp structure according to claim 1, wherein the at leasttwo second holes are through-holes provided on the connector, and the atleast two second fixing pins are configured to be fixedly provided onthe second clamp member and configured to pass through the at least twosecond holes of the connector, respectively.
 9. The bicycle clampstructure according to claim 1, wherein the first clamp member includesa first slit, and the connector includes a first end portion configuredto be provided in the first slit.
 10. The bicycle clamp structureaccording to claim 9, wherein the second clamp member includes a secondslit, and the connector includes a second end portion configured to beprovided in the second slit.
 11. The bicycle clamp structure accordingto claim 1, wherein the first clamp member has a first outer widthdefined in an axial direction of the bicycle tube member, the secondclamp member has a second outer width defined in the axial direction,the connector has a third outer width defined in the axial direction,and the third outer width is smaller than the first outer width and thesecond outer width.
 12. The bicycle clamp structure according to claim1, further comprising: a lock configured to restrict pivotal movement ofthe connector with respect to the first clamp member.
 13. The bicycleclamp structure according to claim 12, wherein the lock includes a lockpin provided in the first clamp member, and the lock pin is attached tothe first clamp movably between a lock position at which the lock pinrestricts pivotal movement of the connector with respect to the firstclamp member, and a release position at which the lock pin allows theconnector to pivot with respect to the first clamp member.
 14. Thebicycle clamp structure according to claim 13, wherein the lock pin ismovably attached to the first clamp member in an axial direction of thebicycle tube member.
 15. The bicycle clamp structure according to claim13, wherein the lock includes a spring provided in the first clampmember and configured to bias the lock pin to the lock position.
 16. Thebicycle clamp structure according to claim 15, wherein the connectorincludes a contact surface configured to contact the lock pin disposedat the lock position.
 17. A bicycle operating device comprising: thebicycle clamp structure according to claim 1; and an operating structureincluding at least one of a brake operating device and a shift operatingdevice configured to operate a bicycle component and provided on one ofthe first clamp member, the second clamp member and the connector. 18.The bicycle operating device according to claim 17, wherein theoperating structure includes the brake operating device configured tooperate a bicycle brake component.
 19. The bicycle clamp structureaccording to claim 1, wherein the one second hole of the at least twosecond holes has an oval shape when viewed in the axial direction, andthe another second hole of the at least two second holes has a circularshape when viewed in the axial direction.